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Urbana SD 116 board names Katrina Williams assistant principal, previews 2026–27 calendar and strategic‑planning sessions
Summary
The Urbana School District 116 board approved the appointment of Katrina Williams as assistant principal at Urbana Middle School and received a first read of the 2026–27 calendar that adds religious and cultural observances; the board also heard an update on strategic‑planning work and community engagement.
The Urbana School District 116 Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Katrina Williams as assistant principal at Urbana Middle School.
Williams, introduced by district administrators as a 20‑plus‑year educator and instructional leader with experience in curriculum design and assessment, thanked the board after the vote: "I just want to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your school district. I'm looking forward to everything Urbana has to offer," she said.
The appointment was part of the board's administrative personnel items. The board moved and approved the recommendation by roll call with all six members voting yes.
At the meeting the district also presented a first read of the 2026–27 school calendar. District staff said the draft largely mirrors the current year but incorporates staff survey feedback to add more religious and cultural observances — including recognition of Yom Kippur and a spring religious holiday — and to place parent‑teacher conference nights before fall break. To balance instructional time, staff recommended adding one student attendance day at the end of the year (May 28). The calendar will return to the board for a vote on April 1.
Administrators acknowledged childcare challenges when a holiday falls midweek and said they will pursue pre‑planning options for families and students affected by midweek breaks. District staff stressed that some changes reflect strong survey results (about 49% of respondents were parents and about 40–45% were staff), and that the calendar committee worked to accommodate diverse family needs.
The board also heard an update on the district's strategic planning process and the "portrait of a graduate" initiative. Staff described two upcoming planning days (Aug. 16–17) to be held offsite at an IH Hotel, facilitated by an experienced consultant, and solicited board volunteers to represent the board on the design team. The district said the portrait work has been narrowed to roughly four competencies and that the strategy sessions will use survey and listening‑session data to set priority goals.
Next steps: the calendar will return for a decision at the board's April meeting; administrators will continue community listening sessions and will share more strategic‑planning materials at an April study session.
